Hallelujah! Scozzafava Quits!

Republican Dede Scozzafava has suspended her bid in next Tuesday’s NY 23 special election, a huge development that dramatically shakes up the race. She did not endorse either of her two opponents — Conservative party candidate Doug Hoffman or Democrat Bill Owens.

The decision to suspend her campaign is a boost for Hoffman, who already had the support of 50 percent of GOP voters, according to a newly-released Siena poll, and is now well-positioned to win over the 25 percent of Republicans who had been sticking with Scozzafava.

Scozzafava has “probably made her last campaign appearance between now and Election Day,” spokesman Matt Burns told POLITICO. “She’s releasing her support to the two other candidates.”

“I had a discussion with her last night, and we made the decision after I spoke with her. We talked about it, what this came down to was spending. It came down to the ability to defend herself from the get-go. And that’s the reality. She was unable to define herself where the people didn’t know her.”

Throughout the course of my campaign for Congress, I have made the people of the 23rd District and the issues that affect them the focal point of my campaign. As a life long resident of this District, I care deeply and passionately about its people and our way of life. Whether as a candidate for Congress, a State Assemblywoman or a small town Mayor, I have always sought to act with the best interest of our District and its residents in mind—and today I again seek to act for the good of our community.

The opportunity to run as the Republican and Independence Party candidate to represent the 23rd District has been and remains one of the greatest honors of my life. During the past several months, as I’ve traveled the district, meeting and talking with voters about the issues that matter most to them, I’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of support I’ve received as I sought to serve as their voice in Washington. However, as Winston Churchill once said, Democracy can be a fickle employer, and the road to public office is not always a smooth one.

In recent days, polls have indicated that my chances of winning this election are not as strong as we would like them to be. The reality that I’ve come to accept is that in today’s political arena, you must be able to back up your message with money—and as I’ve been outspent on both sides, I’ve been unable to effectively address many of the charges that have been made about my record. But as I’ve said from the start of this campaign, this election is not about me, it’s about the people of this District. And, as always, today I will do what I believe serves their interests best.

It is increasingly clear that pressure is mounting on many of my supporters to shift their support. Consequently, I hereby release those individuals who have endorsed and supported my campaign to transfer their support as they see fit to do so. I am and have always been a proud Republican. It is my hope that with my actions today, my Party will emerge stronger and our District and our nation can take an important step towards restoring the enduring strength and economic prosperity that has defined us for generations.

On Election Day my name will appear on the ballot, but victory is unlikely. To those who support me – and to those who choose not to – I offer my sincerest thanks.

GOP Chairman Michael Steele’s has endorsed Hoffman, which may have had something to do with Scozzafava’s choice. Whatever the sources of her move, Steele and Scozzafava demonstrate that the GOP establishment finally is getting a clue about the intensity of the base, and the need to stand up to the radical changes threatened by the Obama administration.

Once again, Sarah Palin, who was the first major figure to endorse Hoffman, gains in strength as a leader of the GOP.

I suspect there is some lingering bitterness on Scozzafava’s part. She was an easy winner with Hoffman third at about 10%, until the campaign by conservatives began to back him and not her. Not all of her support will go to Hoffman. The Conservative Party in New York is not a natural home for all New York Republicans.

If her vote splits 2 to 1 for Hoffman, he wins by maybe 5%. If it breaks more decisively (say 3 to 1 or more), he wins by 10%. But she will still get votes with her name on the ballot. My guess is 5-10% of the total.

I just heard about this a couple of hours ago this is great and to be fair I will give credit to Scozzafava for seeing the light I just hope her supporters don’t go squeamish and run to the (D). Remember Scozzafava is know to be a Republican-lite or more Liberal-Republican so her fan base is obviously such. So yes I am excited but cautious as well.

Of topic… I have high hopes that someone OTHER than Jimmy Johnson will win the race at Talledega. Heck, I was happy for the 11 team last week. I don’t have anything personally against Jimmy, it just gets boring when he wins all the time. And as always, I will hold out hope for Jr.

Yeah I was happy for JJ when he achieved his “three-peat” but a four sweep not so much. Hamlin’s a good kid and I’m happy for him and his win but dang it he’s in a Toyota so no love lost there for me 🙂 .

I’m still hoping the old man still pulls it off or heck even Jeff Gordon! A win for Tony Stewart would be sweet as well. Whoever it will be need to get to stepping. Everyone knows once JJ starts winning its a true “snowball effect”.